New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell is stepping down after 18 months on the job. Sewell was the first woman to lead the department. She announced her resignation in an email to department staff Monday, saying “While my time here will come to a close, I will never step away from advocacy and support for the NYPD." Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the move in a statement and thanked Sewell for her “steadfast leadership.” Sewell took over as commissioner when Adams became mayor in January 2022.

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell is stepping down after 18 months on the job, PIX11 News has confirmed.

Sewell, who was appointed by Mayor Eric Adams, announced the resignation in an email to department staff Monday afternoon.

“While my time here will come to a close, I will never step away from advocacy and support for the NYPD, and I will always be a champion for the people of New York City,” she wrote.

Sewell was the first woman and third Black commissioner to serve with the NYPD.

At an event introducing Sewell in December 2021, New York City Mayor Eric Adams pointed out that women in law enforcement are often left “sitting on the bench, never allowed to get in the game. That is stopping today.”

Adams said he conducted a nationwide search and that it was essential to find someone who was qualified and had the experience but also had emotional intelligence.

“To all the little girls within the sound of my voice, there is nothing you can’t do and no one you can’t become,” Sewell said at her introduction event.

Sewell replaced NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.

Adams, a former police captain, took an outsized interest in the department’s operations compared with other mayors. Since Sewell's appointment, Adams has faced questions about whether she has been granted the autonomy of past commissioners.

Almost immediately after taking office, Adams hired former NYPD Chief of Department Phillip Banks as his deputy mayor for public safety, somewhat diminishing Sewell’s authority. Banks has been holding weekly public briefings on crime, often without Sewell in attendance.

Sewell started with the Nassau County Police Department as a patrol officer in 1997, then became a precinct commander, head of major cases, a top hostage negotiator and finally chief of detectives, where she oversaw a staff of about 350 — about 1% the size of the NYPD’s unformed ranks.

PIX11 News reached out to Adams' office for a statement.

I want to thank Police Commissioner Sewell for her devotion over the last 18 months and her steadfast leadership. Her efforts played a leading role in this administration’s tireless work to make New York City safer. When we came into office, crime was trending upwards, and thanks to the brave men and women of the NYPD, most of the major crime categories are now down. The commissioner worked nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week for a year and a half, and we are all grateful for her service. New Yorkers owe her a debt of gratitude.

Mayor Eric Adams

The Police Benevolent Association also released a statement following the news of Sewell's resignation, saying:

In her short time with the NYPD, Commissioner Sewell made a real impact. She took over a police department in crisis and faced tremendous challenges from day one. She cared about the cops on the street and was always open to working with us to improve their lives and working conditions. There are still enormous challenges facing the NYPD. Her leadership will be sorely missed.

PBA President Patrick J. Lynch